Hardware mesh/cloth ground barrier

[SossFarm]

Getting ready to move the girls and trying to wrap up the building of our run. I have the run built and wrapped in chicken wire. I have intentions of placing 1/4” hardware cloth in the ground about 6” to a Foot in width in the ground at the bottom of the run. Then the remainder of the 4’ width (4x100’ roll) will cover the bottom of the walls (approx 3-3 1/2’ hardware mesh wall). That’s the plan. My wife and I were talking last night and she said “why don’t we just put it down on the ground inside the run?” What are y’all’s thoughts? My first thought is as the chickens wouldn’t be able to scratch in the dirt if we put that mesh down. Then I thought it may make it a challenge to keep clean.

Also on the amount around the ground outside the run, would a 6” width be enough?

Thanks for your input.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I'm not sure her intention for covering the ground inside the run.
I don't think it is a good idea. First of all, there likely isn't a need. Secondly, chickens scratch in the ground all day long, every day. Having any wire on the ground is a good way to end up with bumblefoot as they get a cut on the footpad introducing a staph infection.
As for the outside, a layer on the top of the soil lightly covered is sufficient. Any diggers will back up trying to go under and hit the wire eventually giving up.
I don't know where you live nor the predators you deal with. Anywhere only covered with chicken wire rather than hardware cloth is a potential point of intrusion.

 

[aart]

Also on the amount around the ground outside the run, would a 6” width be enough?

Not likely.....most go at least a 12", 18-24" would be better.

Good examples of anti-dig apron installation:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wire-around-coop.1110498/#post-17093528

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[Ridgerunner]

As for the outside, a layer on the top of the soil lightly covered is sufficient. Any diggers will back up trying to go under and hit the wire eventually giving up.

This is why it needs to go on the outside, to stop the ones trying to dig in. If it is on the inside, they dig under the fence and push up, easily being able to get in.

I use about 18" and bury it about 2", under the sod. This holds it down and keeps it out of the way of lawn mowers and weed eaters.

The few times I've seen where something tried to dig in they tried right next to the fence. A 12" wide apron would have been sufficient.

 

[perkolator]

FYI - 1/4" HC is thinner gauge than 1/2" and will rot away faster if used as anti-dig skirting against the ground. It will also collect feathers and dust faster than 1/2".

If you got 48" fencing, I'd bend it at 18-24" which is plenty of length of an anti-dig skirt. If you're only doing the lower walls for anti-reach-through, then 24" high is sufficient as it's taller than most chickens.

 

[SossFarm]

Slowly but surely.

 

[WanderlustinRose]

Not likely.....most go at least a 12", 18-24" would be better.

Good examples of anti-dig apron installation:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wire-around-coop.1110498/#post-17093528

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

Thank you for the links. I'm in the city and we have a terrible rat problem EVERYWHERE. We are on a peninsula, lots of creeks, estuaries, etc and warf rats invaded our city many years ago. We even have a catch, spay and release feral cat program here. I'm building a 6x8 yard for my future flock of 4 girls and I am terrified of these fuzzy critters burrowing. They can create incredibly long tunnels.